Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez: how long have the Strictly Come Dancing couple been dating, how did they get engaged and what’s the ring like?

Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson has officially said “Yes” to her forever Valentine, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez.

The pair began dating in 2017 and have since welcomed a daughter, Mia.

So, how did he propose and where will they tie the knot? This is everything we know about the engagement..

How did the couple announce their engagement?

Atkinson, 36, announced she is set to marry Marquez, 30, with a photo of them on the beach and the stunning rock on her finger was firmly in the shot.

The actress is pictured planting a kiss on her husband-to-be’s cheek and posted the photo to Instagram with the caption: “Valentine’s forever... Of course I said yes."

Marquez took the selfie, smiling into the camera and also posting it on his Instagram account with the caption: “The best day with my forever Valentines. I asked and she said YES!!!!!!"

The loved-up duo were wrapped up warm for the heartwarming pic, wearing beanies and winter coats.

Though the location of their engagement is not known, they are pictured stood in front of a reservoir or lake.

How much was her engagement ring?

The finer details of the proposal are yet to be released but the ring is estimated to be worth £11,900.

An evaluation of the picture by jewellery brand Taylor & Hart stated the ring looks to contain a 1.50ct centre oval diamond set in platinum, secured in a 1.6mm wide band and fishtail pave diamond set into the band.

Kate Earlam-Charnley, Design Director of Taylor and Hart, described the oval shaped diamond as “very elegant” and a popular choice among women.

How did Atkinson and Marquez meet?

Marquez and Atkinson met while taking part in the 2017 series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The pair were not partnered up on the show, however. Atkinson was partnered with Aljaž Skorjanec while Marquez’s partner was singer Alexandra Burke.

They kept their relationship a secret until Valentine’s Day 2018, when Atkinson shared an Instagram post announcing they were a couple.

Atkinson later revealed they did not begin dating until after the show had finished in December 2017.

In early February 2019, the actress and dancer announced they were expecting a child together - their daughter, Mia, was born on 4 July.

In December 2020, the future Mr and Mrs Marquez moved into a new home in Manchester, which they share with their daughter Mia and their two dogs, Norman and Ollie.

Where will they get married?

The pair could opt to get married in Manchester near their home, Atkinson’s home town of Bury and her friends from Emmerdale, or they could take their vows in Bilbao, Spain, where Marquez is from.

Bilbao is an industrial port city situated in Northern Spain, just a short distance from the stunning Spanish coast and best-known for its stunning architecture and the Guggenheim museum.

However, Marquez also previously worked on cruise ships so will have seen many beautiful destinations, so they could surprise us with the wedding location.